The Department of Meteorology has issued a red warning for strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal, as a developing weather system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday (November 1).
According to the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, the well-marked low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining waters near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has intensified into a depression.
At 11.30 a.m. on Saturday (31), the system was centred near latitude 10.0°N and longitude 90.2°E.
The department forecasts that the depression will move west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression by Saturday night, before developing into a cyclonic storm over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the Southwest and West-central Bay of Bengal around 11.30 a.m. on Sunday.
The system is subsequently expected to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast in India, reaching the West-central Bay of Bengal by Monday evening (November 2).
Wind speeds in the affected sea areas could reach 70 km/h, accompanied by heavy thundershowers and very rough seas.
The Meteorology Department has warned fishing and naval communities not to venture into deep-sea areas between latitudes 10°N and 15°N and longitudes 80°E and 90°E until further notice.
Fishing vessels and naval personnel already operating in these areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
The red warning, issued at 4.30 p.m. on Saturday, remains valid for the next 24 hours.
Authorities have urged fishing and naval communities to remain vigilant and closely follow further weather bulletins. (Newswire)
